Māori Television exodus cause for concern

The shock departure of yet another leading journalist from the Native Affairs team raises further concern the Board and Chief Executive are dissatisfied with the team’s editorial content, says Labour’s Māori Development spokesperson Nanaia Mahuta.

“Annabelle Lee is an experienced and respected journalist and is the latest in a line of high-profile exits from Māori Television.

“Māori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell insists all is well at Māori Television, yet the resignations continue.

“Labour will continue to seek assurances from the Minister that there is no political interference affecting the editorial independence of the broadcaster.

“Māori Television has a crucial role to play as a public broadcaster and it is important the organisation is well run and performing well.

“We cannot support any indication that Maori TV will be used solely for the purpose of broadcasting the political agenda of the Government.”

“The Minister must explain why Māori Television continues to lose key staff while he continues to insist all is well

We wish the new team well as they strive to report in a balanced manner the real issues affecting Māori and a broad political commentary on such matters,” says Nanaia Mahuta.